Heaven gained another beautiful angel, our mother, Naomi Allen Hicks, on April 7, 2017, at home while surrounded by her loved ones. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great- great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and sister. She leaves behind a wonderful family history and many traditions to carry forward for generations to come.

Naomi was born in Niceville, Florida, to the late Benjamin and Haley Allen. She was raised and attended school in Okaloosa County. She worked for the Okaloosa County School District for 41 years, touching the lives of children while transporting them to and from school each day. She also cooked in the family restaurant, Hicks Seafood, and was integral to the success of the Hicks Shrimping Fleet. Naomi was an early member of the First Baptist Church of Niceville before moving her membership to Rosemont Baptist Church. As an active member of both churches she taught many Sunday School and Bible School classes while leading by example with the love of Christ. Naomi was passionate about her family and lived each day paying it forward.

Naomi was preceded in death by her loving husband, Burress P. Hicks. She is survived by her children James W. Hicks and his wife, Betty, William P. Hicks and his wife, Lin, Larry W. Hicks and his wife, Thelma, Brenda Hicks Runge and her husband, Bob and Walter R. Hicks and his wife, Barbara, all residents of the Niceville/Valparaiso area. She was also loved and cherished by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.